Carl Wilson
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I'm at the above. Not really my thing but I came for the tools and to see my brother and nephews.
I'll post a bit of a review later.
I'll post a bit of a review later.
Harrogate show finished when the showground was refurbished some years ago. The MEX is held in Doncaster now. Bit too far for me to travel.Shows like these used to be huge, loads of tool exhibitors, I remember going to harrogate for similar years ago, now with online being so good, reviews, forums, youtube etc, companies dont really need to exhibit to get their products to the market place.
Last time I was at harrogate for the model engineering exhibition would have been 12 years ago o get hands on with my warco mill before ai made the purchase. Dont think they even have a show there now
Shows like these used to be huge, loads of tool exhibitors, I remember going to harrogate for similar years ago, now with online being so good, reviews, forums, youtube etc, companies dont really need to exhibit to get their products to the market place.
Last time I was at harrogate for the model engineering exhibition would have been 12 years ago o get hands on with my warco mill before ai made the purchase. Dont think they even have a show there now
Funny you should mention manners of the attendees.I just got back. I think I probably could have the prize for having come the furthest. I drove down to my in laws in Norfolk from Inverness. Then I drove from Norfolk to Leamington Spa and back.
I was at the exhibition with my Father in law and my youngest son. My son had a wonderful time, he loves engineering and aircraft especially. He loved the gas turbines and the large scale Corsair and Wessex.
I'm not going to pass comment on the models as the skill and workmanship in everything I saw was way above anything I could do. I'm not really into building models - though I have built them in the past. These days I'm more into rockets and turbines. And restoring milling machines...
My comments are going to centre around my impressions of the venue and organisation of the event. I've never been to a Model Engineering Exhibition before so didn't know what to expect.
Venue itself was too small. It was extremely crowded and at times I struggled to hear myself think for the noise. Couldn't get near some of the stalls and the manners of some of the attendees left a great deal to be desired. I went to look at possibly buying some tools but everything was way overpriced in my opinion.
There was a "lecture theatre" - a cordoned off area next to the toilets. I didn't go to any of the talks but I felt sorry for those who did. I don't think they could have heard very much.
There were some wonderful traction engines and steam wagons outside, and a Toylander land rover which was lovely to see. Also a large scale gas turbine powered helicopter that was a joy to behold. As was the gas turbine locomotive, a work in progress.
In short we had a great day. My son loved it, as did my Father in law, a retired machinist.
Where was the Midlands show?
Out of thrift I bought a tap from rdg to do a little job for hotchef on here.The likes of RDG etc will be counting the days. Buying from China then marking stuff up isn't going to wash when we can all buy from China.